If you want to improve your technical employee retention rates and ensure that your company will continue attracting the best talent, it is necessary to manage this department appropriately. While many management techniques are similar, technical people tend to think differently from the average person and it is necessary to manage them a little differently.
Although each person is unique, there are several techniques that you can use to help keep your technical staff happy and productive.
1. Award achievements with tangible recognition. Whether it’s through certificates for achievement, or other tangible rewards, it is vital to let each technical employee know that they are valued, and that the work they do for your company is recognized.
2. Allow them their independence. By and large, this personality type is very capable and used to working alone. Avoid micromanaging your technical employees. Show them what you want them to do and let them take the lead.
3. Ask for their opinions. It is a common complaint among technical employees that management doesn’t care about them, and doesn’t recognize their unique talents. Hold regular meetings and ask for their opinions. If they are good, implement them.
4. Find other motivating factors. Unlike other employees, money is not the main motivator for this personality type. Instead, offer them the ability to attend advanced training and improve their skills.
5. Observe how the department runs. It’s all too common to let IT manage itself and there may be serious problems that may be overlooked and it may be affecting how your employees do their jobs. Take the time to observe the operations in the department and make sure it is running smoothly.
6. Create individual plans for employees. Self motivated people still need clear direction. Take the time to map out expectations and create a game plan for each member on your technical staff.
7. Use a milestone system. Technically minded people tend to work best in an environment where there are clear goals and milestones that must be met. You’ll get more out of your team if they know what they need to work towards.